Service

Tear Down & Rebuild Singapore

What Is a Tear Down & Rebuild?

A tear down & rebuild (TDR) project involves:

✔ Demolishing the existing house

✔ Constructing a brand-new home from scratch

✔ Replacing all structural, architectural, and M&E systems

Unlike A&A or renovation — which retains part of the existing structure — a full rebuild removes more than 50% of the original building, classifying it as reconstruction under BCA guidelines.

 

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When Should You Consider Tearing Down Your Landed Home?

Most Singapore landed homeowners rebuild for these reasons:

1. The Existing House Is Too Old

Homes built in the 1970s–1990s often have:

  • Outdated structural systems

  • Spalling concrete

  • Mould issues

  • Old wiring and plumbing

  • Poor ventilation and layout

  • Termite issues

Trying to renovate repeatedly becomes expensive — a rebuild gives you a brand-new structure that lasts decades.

2. You Want to Maximise Your GFA (Gross Floor Area)

Rebuilding allows you to redesign your home with:

  • A basement

  • An attic

  • A bigger 2nd or 3rd floor

  • Higher ceilings

  • Longer rear extension

  • Fully optimised internal layout

This is especially valuable for terrace and semi-D owners who want more usable space.

3. You Want Complete Control Over the New Design

A rebuild gives you full freedom to create:

  • Open-concept layouts

  • Double-volume living rooms

  • Modern façade

  • Large kitchens

  • Bigger bedrooms

  • Home office, gym, theatre

You are not restricted by the old structure.

4. The House Has Major Structural Issues

If the property has:

  • Major cracks

  • Foundation sinking

  • Poor soil condition

  • Extensive roof damage

  • Failing beams and columns

A rebuild is safer, cheaper, and more sustainable in the long run.

5. You Want Higher Property Value

A newly rebuilt home can increase property value dramatically — often adding $1M to $3M depending on the location and design.

Our Tear Down & Rebuild Specialisation

As a specialist rebuild contractor in Singapore, Ember Earther Builders handles the entire end-to-end process.

✓ Architectural Design

Concept, 3D visuals, layout planning, façade design, URA-compliant plans.

✓ Structural Engineering

Designing beams, columns, foundation, retaining walls, attic, basement.

✓ BCA & URA Submissions

We handle approvals from all authorities:

  • URA (planning)

  • BCA (structural & architectural)

  • SCDF (fire safety)

  • LTA (road & drainage if needed)

  • PUB (sanitary & water)

  • NParks

✓ Demolition Works

Full tear down of the existing house with safe practices.

✓ New Construction

  • Foundation & piling (if needed)

  • RC (reinforced concrete) superstructure

  • Roofing

  • Window & façade installation

  • M&E works

  • Waterproofing

  • Carpentry & interior finishing

✓ Project Management

Weekly site updates, timeline tracking, cost management.

We provide a unified solution — no need to coordinate multiple contractors.

Tear Down & Rebuild Cost in Singapore (2026 Guide)

Rebuilding a landed home is a significant investment.
Costs depend on:

  • house size

  • GFA

  • complexity

  • finishing quality

  • structural requirements

  • presence of attic/basement

Below is a realistic cost guide.

1. Standard Reconstruction

$600,000 – $900,000
Includes:

  • 2-storey rebuild

  • Normal finishing

  • Standard carpentry

  • Basic façade

Suitable for terrace homes.

2. Premium Reconstruction

$900,000 – $1.5M
Includes:

  • Full layout redesign

  • Attic creation

  • Stylish façade

  • Better materials

  • More custom carpentry

Suitable for semi-D and corner terrace.

3. Luxury Reconstruction

$1.5M – $3.5M+
Includes:

  • Basement

  • Pool

  • Lift installation

  • High-end materials

  • Large GFA increase

  • Luxury architectural façade

Suitable for bungalows or detached homes.

Cost Breakdown (Where the Money Goes)

1. Demolition (5–10%)
Includes tearing down walls, roof, internal structures, and disposal.

2. Foundation Works (10–20%)
Dependant on soil condition, piling needs, retaining walls.

3. Structural RC Work (25–35%)
Beams, columns, slabs, staircases, attic/basement.

4. M&E (Electrical, Plumbing, Aircon) (10–15%)

5. Windows, Doors & Façade (10–15%)

6. Interior Carpentry & Finishing (15–25%)

7. Professional Fees & Submissions (5–10%)

Tear Down & Rebuild Timeline

A typical landed rebuild takes:

Phase 1: Design & Planning (2–4 months)

  • Design concept

  • Architecture drawings

  • 3D visualisation

  • Layout optimisation

Phase 2: Authority Submissions (3–6 months)

Approvals from:

  • URA

  • BCA

  • SCDF

  • PUB

  • NParks

We handle all submissions via our QP.

Phase 3: Demolition (1 month)

Safe tear down of the existing structure.

Phase 4: Construction (12–18 months)

  • Foundation

  • RC work

  • Roofing

  • Façade

  • Interior

  • M&E

Total Timeline: 18 – 30 months

(depends on house size and complexity)

What Homeowners Gain from a Full Rebuild

1. A modern, future-proof home

Designed for modern lifestyle needs.

2. Optimised space layout

Every square foot maximised.

3. Higher energy efficiency

Better insulation, ventilation & sustainability options.

4. Significantly increased property value

A brand-new house attracts premium buyers.

5. Lower long-term maintenance costs

New M&E, waterproofing, and materials reduce future repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does it cost to tear down and rebuild a landed house?

Typically $600,000 – $1.5M, depending on size and complexity.

2. How long will the rebuild take?

18 – 30 months from design to handover.

3. Do I need approval to rebuild?

Yes — URA, BCA, and other authorities must approve.

4. Can I build a bigger home?

Yes — depending on your allowable GFA.

5. Can I add a basement or attic?

Yes — subject to URA guidelines and soil conditions.

6. Is rebuild better than A&A?

If more than 50% of the structure needs change → rebuild.

 

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We're here to help you bring your construction project to life! Whether you have questions, want to discuss your ideas.